THOUSANDS of pounds worth of damage was caused to around SIXTY cars in Great Harwood when mindless yobs went on a crime spree in the town.

The offenders left a trail of destruction in the early hours of Tuesday morning as they made their way along Cliffe Lane, Westcliffe, Northcliffe, Edge End Lane and Edge End Road, coming to a halt in the area around James Street, Highfield Road and Shakespeare Avenue.

Vehicles ranging from family runa-rounds to expensive prestige motors were either dented or left with multiple deep scratches along the bodywork.

In some cases patterns and symbols were scratched on to the cars.

Police have now launched a full-sale inquiry into the damage and have put extra patrols on the streets to reassure residents.

Inspector Chris Saville, of Great Harwood Police, said: "In my experience the scale of vandalism is unprecedented. We have been involved in spates of damage before but not of this magnitude and we are throwing every resource at it to apprehend the offenders. They are just mindless yobs.

"We have extra patrols in the area, specifically tasked with gathering intelligence and providing reassurance to residents."

Inspector Saville said police are following several lines of inquiry and are awaiting forensic results.

He said no figure regarding the cost of the damage was available.

Great Harwood councillor Peter Clark was among the people whose cars were targeted.

He said: "I have heard that around 50 cars were attacked, ranging from every panel to just a few scratches. The boot lid was damaged on my Jag which was parked outside my house, causing £300 damage."

Councillor Brian Roberts from the Hyndburn Community Safety Partner-ship, said: "The number of cars involved was alarming. Extra resources were put into Great Harwood on Tuesday in case there was a repeat occurence and to reassure residents.

"It was mainly prestige cars that were targeted. It’s just senseless."

Police are carrying out house-to-house inquiries, reviewing CCTV footage of the area and following several leads, but they still need more people to come forward.

Inspector Gary Crowe of Blackburn Police said: "These people have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and I would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to bring these offenders to justice.

"I would urge anyone who may have any information to come forward and contact police on 51212."